C Steven Stamkos, one of the league's great goal scorers, said he does not watch video of goaltenders to learn their tendencies.

"Hockey is a game of reaction, and each scenario is going to be different," he said. "You're definitely aware a goalie has tendencies, but it's about reading the play and reacting."

C Vinny Lecavalier said he does not watch much video of goalies, either. It is, though, something he did when he came into the league.

That was a time, he said, when different goalies played different styles. Now that most play the same butterfly style, Lecavalier said, he is more concerned with whether a goalie stays forward or back in the net. "But (studying video) is definitely something I would do if I was starting out."

Low blow

At least give Mathieu Garon credit for sturdiness.

The goalie was hit squarely in the groin area by a shot from Teddy Purcell during Monday's practice. His knees buckled, and teammates gave a collective "oooh," but Garon, who, obviously was wearing a protective cup, stayed on his feet and kept playing.

"(Purcell) felt so bad after he hit me, he didn't want to shoot it after that," Garon said, though he admitted he turned his head after a first shot from Purcell. Purcell shot again and hit the bull's-eye. "Accident," he said. "I thought it was supposed to be two quick shots. Blame (assistant coach) Steve Thomas for the drill."

Number of the day

18 Consecutive games in which the Lightning, from Feb. 5-March 12, 2004, gained a point (14-0-2 with two ties). That's worth remembering given the Blackhawks set an NHL record last week by earning at least a point in 17 straight games to start the season (14-0-3).

Quote to note

"It's a big part of the game and something I'd probably love to be a bit better at. Maybe I should practice a little more."